Rest in the Midst of Exhaustion

Thursday, August 24

Rest In The Midst Of Exhaustion
By: Lori Ennis

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28
  
I don’t know about you, but there are times in my life when my soul feels completely drained. Dry, empty and exhausted. The world's weight seems heavy, and life’s experience(s) leave me feeling utterly spent and even broken. Sometimes I get snippets of that in day-to-day life, and other times, a major life change puts me on my knees, begging God for rest and respite from the exhaustion of it all.

What can we depend on in those moments? How do we find restoration when the wellspring of our energy seems to have run dry?

Jesus.

This invitation from Jesus isn’t just a general call, but is so graciously personal. Imagine the Savior of the world looking deeply into your tired eyes and speaking these words directly to you. This call is not for the occasionally tired or the slightly weary; it’s for those of us who are on the brink, for the exhausted, the completely worn out.
 
David, a man after God’s own heart, frequently found himself in the deep waters of despair. Many of his psalms echo with pain, weariness, and the yearning for renewal. I can hear and feel and relate to the emotion in his words, "I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping," (Psalm 6:6). But, David also proclaims, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul." (Psalm 23:1-3).
 
This contrast is powerful. Even in the depths of exhaustion and despair, there is a source of restoration. Just as a shepherd leads his sheep to places of nourishment and rest, the Lord leads us. The green pastures and still waters aren’t just symbolic images; they represent the places of spiritual and emotional sustenance that God has in store for those of us who seek Him.
 
So, do as He says. Take His yoke and learn from Him. Join Him in His will for you and give Him your heartache, burdens, and exhaustion.
 
In moments when you feel as if you've given it all and can't give anymore, remember this: We have a Savior who not only understands our fatigue but offers us a place of true rest. Letting go of our need to constantly be in control and surrendering our exhausted hearts to Jesus is where true restoration begins. 
 
We aren't meant to walk this journey alone. Embrace the rest He offers and allow your soul to find solace in His unwavering presence.